Man faces serious drug charges after routine traffic stop

June 08, 2013

Man faces serious drug charges after routine traffic stop

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An individual charged with drug possession faces severe penalties. Penalties increase if the charges include intending to distribute or manufacture the drug. After being pulled over by a police officer, a 28 year-old man is now facing similar charges.

Several items are found during search

According to KARK News, the 28 year-old man was pulled over by an officer for a routine traffic violation. The officer ran the man's driver's license and allegedly discovered it was suspended. The man was also apparently out on bond for previous drug-related charges.

The officer then requested a vehicle search, to which the man consented. Along with methamphetamine, the officer claimed to find a number of other items in the car during the search, including batteries, drain cleaner and a syringe. The officer contends these items are typically used to manufacture meth.

The discovery of these items resulted in a number of serious charges for the man, including drug possession as well as possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture and use methamphetamine.

The man will suffer a variety of adverse consequences if convicted on any of the drug-related charges. The Arkansas State Legislature defines manufacturing, delivering or possessing with intent to deliver a narcotic drug or methamphetamine as a felony.

Penalties include hefty fines and a prison sentence

Penalties increase based on the amount of the drug. An individual found with less than 28 grams of a narcotic drug or methamphetamine with intent to manufacture or distribute may face between 10 and 40 years in prison as well as fines that could reach as high as $25,000. A minimum prison sentence of 15 years is imposed for possessing between 28 and 200 grams, and the maximum fine rises to $50,000.

An individual found with 200 and 400 grams may receive a prison sentence between 20 and 40 years and a fine up to $100,000. Individuals found with 400 grams or more of the substances face the strictest penalties, including a minimum prison term of 40 years and a fine of up to $250,000. Additionally, current law doubles penalties for second or subsequent offenses.

Penalties also increase if an individual manufactures meth in the presence of certain other individuals. For example, an individual may receive an additional prison sentence of 10 years if the offense is committed in the presence of:
-A minor
-An elderly individual
-An incompetent individual

These enhanced penalties apply if the individuals listed above are physically present during the offense and may also apply if they are simply living in the same house where the meth is manufactured or drug paraphernalia is kept.

An individual facing serious drug charges should consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can investigate and review all evidence and help mitigate the negative consequences.